Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires 7.5 inch mag

Hey guys....if a wheel is 7.5 inch, does that take a 225 or a 215...or hopefully not 205's but I'm not sure of the way it's measured....

I use 215/50-16 on 16x7.5 wheels.

On a 7.5 inch wheel you can use just about any reasonable section width tire. I've seen 235/45-17's on a 7.5 inch wheel with no ill effects to handling, sidewall stiffness, or wear characteristics.

I just mounted some 205/55 dunlop SP Sport 5000's on 16" X 7.5" rims. Much better than the 215/50 BFG Comp TA VR4s I had mounted before, AND the Dunlops have a wider contact patch then the BFGs did.

I'm pretty much new to the Wheel and tire market...so a 7.5 will handle 225 - 235? does that mean 22.5 cm? or what? I think so far from what I have read and heard, I'll end up with a wheel that will fit 225/50/16's. I thought those were wide! 235's don't rub at all? If so I think I'll reconsider. I am planning to drop the suspension by an inch aswell...any suggestions, keeping the inch drop in mind? Here's what I am thinking about going with: http://www.spmotorsports.com/contour_suspension_kits.html lemme know what you guys think if you don't mind. Thanks for all your help so far!

The narrowest safe width you can you is 215 on a 7.5" wheel. You should always keep the rim 70% to 90% the width of the tire, and the closer you get to 90% the better it will help handling. That's the information I got when I asked a similar question a few months ago. Now I'm running 225/50/16 on 16x7.5"!

205 is the minumum width on a 7.5" rim.

Thanks 'Airknight', I think you just helped me decide now! That exact size is the best price point in my area. One question for you in particular****** AIRKNIGHT (just want to make sure you see your name) What I have now is 205/65/15 <-- not likin' it!!! 225/50/16's will be 1/8th of an inch shorter than what I have right now. My car isn't lowered yet. How did they look on yours, if it was stock height at the time? I already find the gap between the top of the tire and wheel well a bit large for optimal looks....what did you think when you put them on? Did the car look like it needed to be lowered or did it look as good as someone who didn't want to break the bank in one month, might want? Thanks for your help so far!

205/60/15 is the stock size for Contours with aluminum wheels. So you started with a taller sidewall to begin with. 225/50/16 is slighter larger in diameter. Yes, I have gap up front but I don't really care because I'd rather have the handling than make it look good by getting some higher profile tires.

check sig. mine are great and no scrubs.